Despite a decrease in the number of migrants, ottawa is maintaining a notable deployment of customs officers in Lacolle. The move comes after an earlier surge of migrants fleeing policies enacted by Donald Trump.

In April, the Canada Border Services Agency (ASFC) urgently moved staff to the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle border post in Montérégie to manage an influx of asylum seekers from the United States.

sources indicate that over 70 border agents, clerks, and managers were dispatched to assist wiht the increase in asylum seekers. This surge was largely attributed to immigrants attempting to avoid expulsion following the termination of a protection program, especially impacting Haitians, under the Trump administration.

While Lacolle processed approximately 2,800 files this month, ASFC data reveals that only 309 asylum applications were received between May 1st and May 18th. The Customs and Immigration Syndicate reported that on one Wednesday, only four asylum seekers presented themselves at the Lacolle border.

Continued Staffing Levels Raise Cost Concerns

Despite the reduced flow of asylum seekers, ASFC staffing levels remain high, leading to increased costs for taxpayers.

Visiting officials are entitled to compensation for meals,up to $113.50 per day,in addition to reimbursements for daily mileage,as outlined in the directives of the mixed national council.

according to the union’s count, around twenty agents, ten clerks, and five superintendents are present at the border, working in 24-hour shifts. An agency spokesperson declined to confirm the precise number of employees in Lacolle, citing “for security reasons,” but added that “Special staff decisions will be based on the operational needs of each region.”

“We are waiting to see if the requests will not start upwards. With american politics, it could happen,” said Yanniv Waknine.

Union Justifies presence Amidst Uncertainty

The Customs and Immigration Syndicate acknowledges that the superintendent-to-employee ratio is unusually high but defends the continued presence of its members. Yanniv Waknine, one of the vice-presidents of the union, stated, “We are waiting to see if the requests will not start upwards. With American politics, it could happen.”

Waknine’s statement comes as the United States Supreme Court authorized the Trump administration to revoke the protected status of approximately 350,000 Venezuelans.

Notably the agreement on third party safe countries dictates that only asylum seekers meeting specific exceptions can enter Canada via the American-Canadian border.

The Canadian government has committed to investing $1.3 billion over six years to enhance border security, with $355 million specifically allocated to ASFC.